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9 Amazing Sri Lanka Luxury Hotels & 5-Star Resorts

ByLauren Moore Hours

When people think of the top luxury destinations in Asia, it is likely that Sri Lanka doesn’t even make the list. People tend to focus on places like Singapore, Japan, and the Maldives, but there are actually many amazing Sri Lanka luxury hotels that you need to visit.

Sri Lanka is a small country between India and the Maldives. Although small, it is a diverse country with tea plantations, many beaches, historic forts, and wildlife safaris.

I recently spent one week exploring the most aspirational properties and I worked my way around the country. Below, find a detailed review of each of these properties included if they are worth the price tag and the top things to do in each location.

At the end of this guide, I list some other 5 star hotels in Sri Lanka that I did not personally visit but came highly recommended.

Contents hide
1. Ceylon Tea Trails
Rooms
Amenities
Dining
Location & Things to Do
2. Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Rooms
Amenities
Dining
Location & Things to Do
3. Fort Bazaar
Rooms
Amenities
Dining
Location & Things to Do
4. Wallawa
Rooms
Amenities
Dining
Location & Things to Do
Other Luxury Hotels in Sri Lanka
Amangalla
Amanwella
Cape Weligama
Uga Chena Huts
Marriott Weligama
Map of These 5 Star Sri Lanka Resorts
Before You Go

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1. Ceylon Tea Trails

A tranquil outdoor swimming pool surrounded by green grass and trees, with a small pavilion in the background

Luxury bungalows set in the hills of tea country

Location: Hatton, Sri Lanka

Hotel Group: Resplendent Ceylon, Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Hyatt)

Ceylon Tea Trails is often regarded as the most aspirational property in Sri Lanka. But honestly, when I looked at the pictures online, I didn’t understand the hype.

When this resort made one of my favorite travel influencer’s (Lax to Luxury) list of top luxury hotels, I decided to try it for myself. Spoiler- it lived up to the hype.

This resort is super unique. It is made up of 5 bungalows spread across ~20km. Each bungalow has around 5 bedrooms, its own staff, separate kitchen, and outdoor area. You stay at one bungalow, but can visit the others.

Rooms

A charming sitting area with two upholstered chairs in a pineapple pattern, facing a wooden coffee table set near large, bright windows. The windows overlook a lush garden, providing a peaceful and scenic view.
A cozy bedroom featuring a four-poster bed draped with white sheer curtains, giving a romantic and elegant touch. The bed is adorned with multiple pillows and a soft throw, while bedside tables with lamps and a patterned rug add warmth to the space.
A vintage-style bathroom with a freestanding bathtub under a large window, allowing natural light to flood in. The room features beige walls, white subway tiles, and a wicker laundry basket, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

As I mentioned above, there are just a small handful of bedrooms in each bungalow. It felt like we were houseguests of a rich tea factory owner versus staying in a cookie-cutter hotel.

I loved the comfortable but luxurious decor of the rooms, it felt relaxed but also very “old money”.

There are different room categories, but we booked the base room which had plenty of space. There was a large four poster bed, desk, sitting area, and large bathroom with a clawfoot tub. We also had a private garden with additional seating and lounge chairs.

The only downside to the rooms is that there is no air conditioning, which made it a little warmer than I’d like. While it cooled down at night, temperatures in the room got to around 75 degrees, which is hotter than I’d prefer.

Amenities

A serene garden with a lush lawn, overlooking a rectangular swimming pool surrounded by tall trees and dense foliage. The view extends to a tranquil lake and misty hills in the background, creating a peaceful and picturesque scene.
A couple standing on a dirt path surrounded by vibrant green tea plantations and rolling hills. They are smiling at the camera, enjoying the sunny day and beautiful landscape.
The bow of a white boat on a calm lake, with green forested hills and a cloudy sky in the distance. The image captures the sense of adventure and tranquility of a boat ride in a natural setting.

A stay at Ceylon Tea Trails is definitely a splurge, but once you arrive everything is included. The onsite amenities include a pool and hot tub, walking trails, bikes, and kayaks.

You can use any of these amenities anytime you want (within reason). I enjoyed an early morning nature walk through the tea trails as the sun was rising. I also spent an afternoon at the pool which had amazing views of the lake.

In addition, they provide complimentary transportation between the bungalows so you can use the amenities at any of them.

Dining

An inviting outdoor dining patio with wicker chairs and a dining table set for a meal, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The patio is shaded by a white awning and overlooks a serene garden, providing a cozy and picturesque dining experience.
A smiling man sitting at a table set for afternoon tea, with a tiered tray displaying an assortment of cakes, sandwiches, and pastries. The table is adorned with elegant china teacups and saucers, set outdoors in a lush garden with green lawn and trees.
A breakfast setting featuring a white plate with a variety of fresh tropical fruits, including passion fruit, watermelon, banana, papaya, and grapes. The table also has a glass of orange juice, a cup of tea, and a teapot, arranged on a woven placemat with a garden view in the background.

I ate literally so much food during my stay at Ceylon Tea Trails.

Each morning starts with breakfast on the patio which includes a large fruit plate, yogurt with granola, a full English breakfast, and a bread basket.

For lunch, they serve a three course meal with soup, and entree, and dessert.

Each afternoon, you have an afternoon tea which includes finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones.

Before dinner, there are warm nuts and small appetizers for happy hour.

Then dinner is a 4+ course meal with an appetizer, soup, entree, and dessert.

All of the food can be personalized by the private bungalow chef. He came to chat with us multiple times per day to propose a menu for the next meal. We always went with his recommendation, but you can easily make substitutions or request a completely different menu.

My favorite meal was our first dinner which was a four-course meal based around tea. For example, mushroom and black tea soup and a tea ice cream. It was so unique and perfectly prepared.

Location & Things to Do

A scenic view of a lake surrounded by green hills and trees, under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The peaceful landscape includes a grassy area in the foreground and vibrant foliage.
A person demonstrating the processing of tea leaves in a tea factory. The image shows a tray labeled
A view from inside an open-sided truck, looking out onto a lush tea plantation with vibrant greenery and a clear blue sky. The scene captures the beauty of the tea fields and surrounding landscape.

Ceylon Tea Trails is in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country. The nearest city is Hatton, around 30 minutes away.

The most popular thing to do in the area is tour a tea factory to learn about the growing, harvesting, and preparation of tea.

A stay at this hotel includes a complimentary tour at the nearby Dunkled tea factory. You’ll be driven from your bungalow past the tea fields to the privately owned factory.

Once there, you will be given an hour long tour that talks all about how tea is created from plant to cup. You’ll also have the opportunity to sample and purchase different varieties of tea.

Besides a tea factory tour, I reccomend enjoying time at your bungalow at leisure. Take advantage of the relaxed environment and amazing service to pamper yourself a bit.

Check Prices & Availability at Ceylon Tea Trails

2. Wild Coast Tented Lodge

Exterior view of a resort with a clear blue swimming pool and uniquely shaped domed buildings, surrounded by greenery and a bright sky

Glamping “cocoons” at the gateway to Yala national park; sleep among nature

Location: Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Hotel Group: Resplendent Ceylon, Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Hyatt)

The Yala National Park region of Sri Lanka has the highest concentration of luxury resorts in the country so it can be hard to decide which one to stay at. However, I highly reccomend you choose Wild Coast Tented Lodge.

This resort is part of the same group as Ceylon Tea Trails, above, and has the same high standard of service. It also has a unique property layout with each room as a standalone “cocoon” structure.

In addition to a great property, this resort offers great offsite tours. Each day, there is one safari drive included where you have the chance to see wild animals like elephants, leopards, and sloth bears.

Rooms

A vintage-style writing desk with a leather chair is positioned near a large window offering a view of lush greenery. The desk holds books, jars, and a small speaker, with a patterned rug adding to the rustic, yet elegant safari tent atmosphere.
king-sized bed with crisp white linens, red accents, and striped pillows sits under a canopy of sheer fabric, creating a warm, inviting ambiance in a safari-style luxury tent. A leather bench sits at the foot of the bed, and wooden nightstands with vintage decor flank the space.
A rustic-style freestanding clawfoot bathtub is centered in a luxury tent with a large arched window overlooking greenery. Warm sunlight filters through, creating a serene atmosphere with natural tones of wood and soft lighting.

Each “room” at Wild Coast lodge is actually a standalone canvas cocoon. It is kind of like camping but with indoor plumbing, hot water, air conditioning, and hardwood floors. So maybe not really like camping at all.

There are three different room categories. The base category, pictured above, has a large bedroom with a king bed, armoire, and desk and a large bathroom with a tub, shower, and dual vanities. The outside of the basic room has a small deck with a table and chairs.

The next room category is the same cocoon suite but with a private plunge pool outside.

The final room category is the same as the pool suite, but with a small second cocoon for kids. This is the best option if you are traveling with your family.

Amenities

A bartender prepares drinks at a wooden outdoor table set up near the ocean, with bottles of gin, whiskey, and vodka displayed alongside appetizers. The blue ocean and clear sky create a serene and scenic backdrop.
A view through a shaded, arched tunnel structure leading out to a bright, turquoise infinity pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas in the background. The pool extends toward the ocean, framed by greenery and a clear blue sky, offering a tranquil, tropical escape.
A three-tiered dessert tray with various sweets including chocolate cake, cheesecake bites, and scones, sits on a table next to two refreshing cocktails—one green with mint and one yellow with lemon and passion fruit. The background features a rustic woven roof, giving a tropical vibe.

There are many onsite amenities at Wild Coast Lodge. Since I only spent two nights here and went on two safari drives during that time, I barely scratched the surface of things to do at the resort.

Pool: There is a large pool that extends from the main “cocoon” near the bar area and overlooks the ocean. It’s a great place to cool down in the afternoon and enjoy a cocktail.

Afternoon Tea: Each afternoon, you are offered a complimentary tea service with a selection of sweet and savory appetizers. You can have tea (as is traditional), coffee, or even a cocktail.

Sundowner: Each night, the resort hosts a complimentary happy hour on the beach with sunset views. There are cocktails and light bites to enjoy. They also set the scene with candles and comfortable seating, making it all feel very romantic.

Spa: Although spa services cost extra, it is a great way to relax after a day of game drives. I enjoyed an amazing couples massage that left me feeling relaxed for days after.

Dining

A traditional Sri Lankan breakfast featuring string hoppers (steamed rice noodles) on a banana leaf, accompanied by side dishes in small metal bowls, including dhal curry and onion sambol. The meal is served on a copper tray, with utensils and a glass of water visible in the background.
An open-air bar with a woven bamboo ceiling and rustic stone counter. High stools and leather armchairs with striped cushions create a relaxed, luxurious vibe. Bartenders are preparing drinks, with wine bottles and spirits displayed behind the bar.
A spread of Sri Lankan curries served on a copper tray, with a mound of white rice, papadam, and various side dishes including sambol and pickles, all plated on banana leaves. The setting is tropical, with lush green plants visible in the background.

The dining at Wild Coast Lodge is all-inclusive which is great because it is also delicious. The only downside is you’ll be stuffed by the time you leave because there are so many meals and huge portions!

The day starts with coffee and a small breakfast of pastries and fruit before you depart for the 6 am game drive.

When you get back, it’s time for the “real” breakfast which is a selection of a la carte options. The breakfast options are a mix of western dishes and local.

Lunch is also a la carte, with a selection of local dishes such as curry rice, noodles, or deviled chicken. Again, there are some western options like pasta or meat dishes.

Dinner is a multi-course meal with a soup, starter, entree, and dessert.

Overall, I loved how I was able to try the local cuisine during my stay. Some of my favorite dishes, pictured above, were the string hoppers and rice with a selection of local curries.

Location & Things to Do

A young elephant walks across a dirt road during a safari, surrounded by off-road vehicles, including Toyota Land Cruisers. The scene captures the elephant in motion, set against the backdrop of a dry, scrubby landscape.
A peaceful coastline scene featuring large, smooth rocks leading down to the ocean. The sky is clear and blue, with a few scattered clouds, and a small fire pit with logs is visible in the foreground, enhancing the natural beauty of the shoreline.

The number one reason to stay at Wild Coast Lodge is to be close to Yala National Park. Yala National Park is a must-visit for game drives, offering the highest leopard population in Sri Lanka, along with elephants, sloth bears, and more.

Though wildlife sightings may be less frequent compared to an African safari, it makes each encounter even more rewarding. Expect to spot animals like leopards, crocodiles, elephants, and a wide variety of bird species.

Wild Coast Lodge is one of the closest hotels to the park entrance, making it incredibly convenient for game drives. The resort includes one game drive per day in your stay, with expert guides and luxury trucks where every guest has a window seat, ensuring the best possible wildlife viewing experience.

In addition to game drives, I love that Wild Coast is located on the coast of Sri Lanka. Although the ocean is not swimmable in this area, it makes for incredible views.

Check Prices & Availability at Wild Coast Lodge

3. Fort Bazaar

A charming courtyard with brick flooring, round tables with red chairs, surrounded by a two-story building with a terracotta roof and greenery

Charming repurposed mansion in the heat of fort galle, a uNESCO Site

Location: Galle, Sri Lanka

Hotel Group: Teardrop Hotels, Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Hyatt)

Fort Bazaar is a renovated mansion in the heart of the Galle Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel has a few dozen rooms surrounding a central courtyard. It also has an onsite restaurant and bar.

The highlight of this hotel is its central location in Galle, within walking distance to every major site.

Rooms

A view of the minimalist bedroom with a four-poster bed, wooden desk, and chair facing a mounted TV. The room has high ceilings with exposed beams, lime green closets, and leads into an en suite bathroom.
A simple, elegant four-poster bed with crisp white linens and two patterned pillows, situated between two bedside tables with modern lamps. The room features high wooden ceilings, light green closet doors, and a ceiling fan.

The rooms at Fort Bazaar aren’t anything special, but they are spacious, clean, and comfortable. The living area has a king four-poster bed, desk, and two closets. The bathroom has a double vanity and large walk-in shower.

My favorite part of the rooms at Fort Bazaar was the ice cold air conditioning which was a must in the 90+ degree, super humid weather.

Amenities

A stylish lobby featuring a bright orange sofa, flanked by two patterned armchairs, and a sleek black coffee table adorned with tall tropical flowers. The space is framed by a textured accent wall and illuminated by large, hanging lantern-style lights. Lush green plants add a natural touch to the modern decor.

The main reason to visit Galle is to explore the old fort. For that reason, you won’t spend much time at your hotel.

There aren’t many onsite amenities but one I appreciated was the afternoon social hour where you could get complimentary beer, wine, or gin and tonic at the hotel bar. This was a great time to relax between a day of exploring and heading out for dinner.

Dining

A traditional Sri Lankan breakfast featuring two egg hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes with a soft egg in the center) served with a bowl of spicy curry, onion sambol, and chili paste. The table is set with bread, croissants, a glass of juice, and water, offering a complete and vibrant meal presentation.

The onsite restaurant at Fort Bazaar is delicious. We ate there for dinner and breakfast, and thoroughly enjoyed both meals.

For dinner, I had some of the best shrimp pad thai I’ve ever had. The menu was a mix of Sri Lankan cuisine and asian-fusion from other regions.

For breakfast, we tried the hoppers, a local dish with thin dough, egg, and a few curries. The chicken curry it came with was super tender, flavorful, and spicy.

If you stay at this hotel, I recommend eating at the restaurant at least once.

Location & Things to Do

A tall, white lighthouse standing against a bright blue sky, surrounded by palm trees. The base of the lighthouse is made of stone, and the surrounding landscape reflects the coastal charm of the area.
A weathered building with faded yellow and orange walls, featuring a distinct arched doorway, wooden shutters, and a tiled roof. The architecture has a colonial style, and the building shows signs of age and history, with peeling paint and rustic doors.
A small, serene beach with golden sand and scattered rocks, bordered by a stone wall and green foliage. The ocean is calm, and the skyline of Galle is visible in the distance under a clear blue sky.

As I said above, the main reason to visit Galle is to explore the historic fort. One big benefit to staying at Fort Bazaar is that a full fort tour is included in your stay.

Top sights to see in Galle include the Dutch Reformed Church, dating back to 1755 with its stained glass windows and historic graveyard, and the iconic Galle Lighthouse, built in 1939, offering stunning ocean views.

The National Maritime Museum, housed in a historic Dutch warehouse, showcases maritime history and shipwrecks, while Flag Rock provides excellent sunset views from the southern end of Galle Fort.

Other highlights include the beautifully restored Old Dutch Hospital, now filled with shops and restaurants, and the elegant Meeran Mosque, blending Sri Lankan, Arabic, and Indian architecture. Don’t miss Pedlar Street, a charming spot for boutique shopping and dining.

Check Prices & Availability of Fort Bazaar

4. Wallawa

A serene courtyard featuring lush green trees and plants, outdoor seating with green cushions, and a building with a terracotta roof in the background

large estate surrounded by nature near the airport and capital city

Location: Negombo, Sri Lanka

Hotel Group: Teardrop Hotels, Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Hyatt)

We arrived into Sri Lanka late in the day so needed to spend on night near the airport. In my mind, this was a throwaway night to catch up on sleep before heading out for our “real vacation”.

Based on this, I had very low expectations of Wallawa. These expectations were far exceeded with this large renovated estate that is now a luxury hotel.

Wallawa is conveniently located near the airport and Colombo, but feels like you are out in nature with large trees, expansive grounds, and a quiet atmosphere.

Rooms

A sitting area featuring a built-in daybed with light green shutters, decorated with throw pillows. A low coffee table in the center holds books and magazines, creating a relaxed and inviting space.
A four-poster bed with white linens and a sheer canopy curtain, complemented by a light turquoise bench at the foot of the bed. The room has soft, calming colors, with bedside tables and ceiling fans adding to the serene atmosphere.
A spacious bathroom featuring a dual-sink vanity with a dark countertop, large framed mirrors, and a wooden ceiling. Towels are neatly rolled underneath the sinks, and the floor features wooden slats, adding a warm touch to the minimalist design.

The rooms at Wallawa are super spacious. The living area has a four poster king bed, and large sitting area with a window seat and desk. The bathroom is even bigger with a giant walk in shower.

I love how the rooms are decorated in a very natural and serene design. It was super easy to pass out after a long day of flying.

Amenities

There are not many onsite amenities at Wallawa, but there is a spa, pool, and library for guests to use. The staff is also very helpful in arranging activities.

Dining

A breakfast spread featuring a plate of avocado toast topped with diced avocado, mushrooms, and roasted tomatoes, garnished with parsley. In the background, there is a basket of assorted bread, a plate of shakshuka, and small dishes of jam, butter, and other spreads, creating a vibrant and delicious meal setting.

The food at Wallawa is way better than I expected. In fact, our dinner here was one of the best meals from the entire trip. We had a local beef stir fry with vegetables and Indian butter paneer, both of which were incredible.

The breakfast is included in most stays and includes a variety of a la carte options. We got yogurt with fruit and avocado toast, both of which were super fresh and healthy tasting.

Location & Things to Do

There is not a ton to do in Negombo, but Wallawa is a great place to stay on your way in or out of the country. If you are visiting for a short time, it is also a good home base to book day trips from.

In Colombo, some of the top activities are a local food tour or city tour by tuk tuk.

Check Prices & Availability at Wallawa

Other Luxury Hotels in Sri Lanka

Amangalla

Located inside the historic Galle Fort, Amangalla blends colonial charm with modern comforts, giving you a relaxed and elegant stay. With its great service and beautiful surroundings, it’s perfect for a peaceful escape.

Amanwella

Set right on the southern coast, Amanwella offers amazing ocean views and a laid-back vibe. If you’re looking for privacy and luxury by the beach, this is the spot for you.

Cape Weligama

Cape Weligama sits on top of cliffs with incredible views of the Indian Ocean. The private villas, infinity pools, and top-tier dining make it an easy choice for a luxury getaway.

Uga Chena Huts

Uga Chena Huts is all about combining adventure and comfort, located right by Yala National Park. You get the best of both worlds with safari experiences and relaxing in your own private cabin with a plunge pool.

Marriott Weligama

Right on Weligama Bay, Marriott Weligama is perfect for those who love modern amenities with beach access. Whether you’re catching waves or just hanging by the pool, it’s a great mix of luxury and convenience.

Map of These 5 Star Sri Lanka Resorts

If you are planning a Sri Lanka itinerary, it can be super helpful to see where these hotels are in relation to each other. Below is a map that shows where all of these hotels are.

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To make it even easier, the four hotels I highlight in this guide are perfectly aligned to my recommended seven day Sri Lanka itinerary. Check out my travel guide to learn how long to stay in each place, the top things to do, and how to transit between each hotel.

Before You Go

Be sure to check out my 7 day Sri Lanka itinerary. While it is a ton of fun to stay in luxurious resorts, it is even more fun to explore a new country.

This one week itinerary explains how to plan a trip around the country, staying in these amazing hotels while experiencing the local culture as well.

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Lauren is the creator of The Traveling Moore blog. She's travel obsessed, having been to nearly 50 countries and all 7 continents. She has a full time corporate job, and loves showing others that it's still possible to travel the world with limited PTO hours. Lauren is also travel hacking obsessed, finding every way to travel more often and more luxuriously.

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